Healthy Grilled Mediterranean Bowl (Printable)

Vibrant grilled vegetables and marinated protein over quinoa with tzatziki, olives, and feta.

# What You Need:

→ Protein & Main

01 - 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts (approximately 1.5 pounds) or 16 ounces halloumi, sliced into 0.5-inch pieces
02 - 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil, plus additional for drizzling
03 - 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
04 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
06 - 0.5 teaspoon ground cumin
07 - 0.5 teaspoon salt, plus additional to taste
08 - 0.25 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

→ Grains

09 - 1 cup quinoa, rinsed and drained
10 - 2 cups low-sodium chicken or vegetable broth

→ Vegetables

11 - 1 medium zucchini, cut into 0.5-inch rounds
12 - 1 red bell pepper, cored and quartered
13 - 1 small eggplant, cut into 0.5-inch rounds
14 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, whole
15 - 0.5 red onion, cut into eight wedges
16 - 1 15-ounce can chickpeas, drained and rinsed
17 - 1 medium cucumber, diced

→ Toppings

18 - 0.25 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
19 - 0.25 cup crumbled feta cheese
20 - 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

→ Tzatziki Sauce

21 - 1 cup plain Greek yogurt
22 - 0.5 cucumber, peeled, seeded, and grated
23 - 1 clove garlic, minced
24 - 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
25 - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped, or 1 teaspoon dried dill
26 - 1 teaspoon olive oil
27 - Salt and pepper to taste

# How to Make It:

01 - Squeeze excess moisture from the grated cucumber using paper towels. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, cucumber, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, dill, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended, cover, and refrigerate while preparing remaining components.
02 - In a large bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, minced garlic, dried oregano, ground cumin, salt, and black pepper. Add chicken or halloumi and toss to coat evenly. Transfer half the marinade to a separate bowl and add zucchini, bell pepper, eggplant, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chickpeas. Toss to coat thoroughly. Cover both bowls and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for enhanced flavor.
03 - In a medium saucepan, bring broth to a rolling boil. Add rinsed quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover with lid, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is completely absorbed. Remove from heat and let stand covered for 5 minutes, then fluff gently with a fork.
04 - Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Lightly oil the grates or cooking surface to prevent sticking.
05 - Place marinated chicken or halloumi on the grill. Grill chicken 6 to 8 minutes per side until cooked through and internal temperature reaches 165 degrees Fahrenheit, or grill halloumi 2 to 3 minutes per side until golden grill marks appear. Remove from grill and allow to rest for 5 minutes, then slice chicken if using.
06 - Using a grill basket or place directly on grates, cook zucchini, eggplant, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and chickpeas for 4 to 6 minutes, turning occasionally, until tender-crisp with charred spots.
07 - Divide cooked quinoa evenly among four serving bowls. Top each portion with sliced chicken or halloumi, grilled vegetables, diced cucumber, Kalamata olives, and crumbled feta cheese.
08 - Drizzle each bowl with extra-virgin olive oil and add a generous scoop of tzatziki sauce. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired. Serve immediately while warm.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Everything gets cooked on the grill, so your kitchen stays cool and cleanup is minimal.
  • The marinade does double duty for both protein and vegetables, cutting your prep work in half.
  • You can swap chicken for halloumi or tofu without changing a single other step.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day, especially when you let the quinoa soak up all the juices.
02 -
  • If you skip squeezing the cucumber for the tzatziki, you'll end up with a runny sauce that slides off everything.
  • Don't rush the marinating time, 30 minutes is the minimum but overnight transforms the chicken into something you'll crave.
  • Slice the vegetables thick, thin pieces fall through the grill grates or turn to mush before they char.
  • Let the chicken rest after grilling or all the juices will run out onto your cutting board instead of staying in the meat.
03 -
  • Make a double batch of tzatziki, it's incredible on sandwiches, wraps, and roasted potatoes all week long.
  • If you don't have a grill, roast everything on a sheet pan at 425 degrees for 20 to 25 minutes, flipping halfway through.
  • Add a handful of toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds right before serving for extra crunch and richness.
  • Taste your marinade before you use it, if it's too acidic, add a pinch of sugar to balance the lemon.
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